IAF Plans to Acquire Five More C-17 Globemaster III Transport Aircraft to Replace Aging Il-76s

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to expand its fleet of C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifters. Sources indicate that the IAF intends to submit a request to the United States Air Force (USAF) for the purchase of five additional C-17s. This move aims to enhance the IAF's long-range heavy airlift capabilities and replace its aging fleet of Il-76 transport aircraft.

The IAF currently operates 11 C-17s, making it the second-largest operator of this aircraft type in the world, after the USAF, which has a fleet of 222. Since their induction, the C-17s have played a crucial role in the IAF's operations, enabling the transportation of troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid across long distances, supporting both military exercises and disaster relief efforts.

This is not the first time the IAF has sought to acquire additional C-17s. After the production line for the aircraft closed, the IAF received clearance to procure three more units. However, due to high global demand, they were only able to secure one, as other countries quickly purchased the remaining available aircraft.

The IAF's need for new heavy lift aircraft is driven by the advancing age of its Il-76 fleet. These aircraft, which have served the IAF for several decades, are becoming increasingly expensive to maintain and operate. With plans to retire the Il-76s by 2035, the acquisition of additional C-17s is considered a critical necessity.

Before formally approaching the USAF, the IAF will seek governmental approval for the purchase. However, acquiring these aircraft may prove challenging. Despite operating a large fleet, the USAF itself faces a shortage of C-17s. This aircraft remains in high demand globally, with several nations vying to acquire surplus units from the USAF.

The C-17 Globemaster III is a high-wing, four-engine, T-tailed military transport aircraft. It boasts a substantial cargo capacity of 77 tons, enabling it to transport a wide range of payloads, including tanks, helicopters, and troops. This makes it a vital asset for rapid deployment during military operations and humanitarian missions.

The aircraft's ability to cover long distances without refueling significantly enhances the IAF's global reach and logistical support capabilities. Furthermore, the C-17's high availability rate and robust design make it a suitable replacement for aging platforms like the Il-76.

 

[Enforcer]

AHHHH now you want it huh? Boeing kept begging for additional orders to stay open but India didn't care.

Good luck, even USAF wants more C-17. Where are you gonna get em from?

Hopefully, Boeing is forced to restart production because of America and we can place orders too.

 

[sanket]

This is Good move it will make US happy, Bharat should buy this types of defence related product from US from choppers Chinook,Romeo & Apache M-777 etc it will enhance defence Trade too & Buy Fighter jets From France which is Reliable sanction free partner

 

[GMR]

Now IAF is waking up... True that we did not have money at that time for a big order for globemasters, but this step should have bèen taken 8-10 yrs earlier.. now they r planning to approach and knowing our acquisition process, it may become a decade long process, compromising security capabilities as usual.
Anyway, best of luck IAF, these are the best transporters to get..

 

[Hari Sud]

AHHHH now you want it huh? Boeing kept begging for additional orders to stay open but India didn't care.

Good luck, even USAF wants more C-17. Where are you gonna get em from?

Hopefully, Boeing is forced to restart production because of America and we can place orders too.

Money at India’s disposal is limited only a few urgent items can be purchased.

 

[Crusader 2024]

I doubt very much the US would give up any of her precious C-17s. Yet, there may be another possibility worth exploring. The US has ~ 50 C-5s in storage. These are in good shape and could be upgraded to the latest C-5M Standard.

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

AHHHH now you want it huh? Boeing kept begging for additional orders to stay open but India didn't care.

Good luck, even USAF wants more C-17. Where are you gonna get em from?

Hopefully, Boeing is forced to restart production because of America and we can place orders too.

I think India needs much more than 5 C-17s

 

[R. Singh]

Also buy 6 B1-B Lancers and 4 B-2 stealth bombers from USAF !

 

[Kira]

I think India needs much more than 5 C-17s

For production to restart, they will need a few dozen more orders for the C-17.

 

[Enforcer]

For production to restart, they will need a few dozen more orders for the C-17.

Few dozen??? haha. Boeing was building those C-17 in PRIME real estate location on Long Beach California. Its like Having a massive factory on Juhu Beach Mumbai. It was on sale few years back and hopefully it is not sold yet.

Minimum 50 plus will have to be ordered. USAF itself might order 40 or 50 alone. And expect to pay much much higher cost for them.

 

[Vikas Yadav 007]

With in next 20 year india will be make indigenous aircraft and export C17 type aircraft to third countries or even to USA also .

 

[Enforcer]

I think India needs much more than 5 C-17s

5? India needs like 20 more if you want to replace crappy il-76. These planes are used 10 percent during wartime and 90 percent during peacetime. Its the face of IAF's capabilities when its in regard to civilians. Humanitarian roles, evacuations, disaster relief, supply chain, firefighting, heavy machinery transport, etc etc. The list is long.